Perhaps another way to look at "15 for 15" is that as a forum or the wider Gn15 modelling world we're aiming to present a minimum of 15 layouts constructed in 2015 to the world. That could be online on a special page... or in an exhibition (or series of exhibitions) that take place around the world?

When I read about the Heywood centenary in Railway Modeller, I immediately thought about its connection to us. I was pipped to the post, reporting it here though. I knew that the Ravenglass line had been 'converted' to 15in gauge at about the same time, and if that had been 1916, it would have been perfect, but as it was 1915, that still gives us a chance. I feel the two anniversaries should be linked, which could allow overflow from the first drifting into the second one. I asked before, but does anyone know of any commemorations for Ratty next year. I can't see anything on their website. It seems odd that a potential marketing idea has been forgotten about. I like the idea of 15 layouts, but that does bring in the risk of there not being enough to meet the challenge, and what to do should there be more than 15. After Christmas I am definitely exploring the idea of a 15 by 15in module. i have some very sharp 3D printed curves, and very short(tram bogie sized) locos work OK, just about. I also have some Jouef 15in radius points, nickel silver design, not the more common steel version, and I might be able to fit in a working wagon turntable! I don't want to end up with a pizza layout, so plan B will be something more like Carl's original Square Foot layout.

If a size limit is is to be used, to maintain flexibility for different layout plans, how about using 225 (15x15) square inches to limit the area? Carl's Square Foot was defined by its area, 144 square inches, rather than it being square, wasn't it?

I have no objection, but maximising each dimension, ie making it a square can be easier to bit in. Just imagine a line up of mini layouts inside a section of 15in gauge.

Just found this on R&E website. Thought I would check their calendar, as nothing on front page, a big omission I think

From 28th August 2015 to 31st August 2015Our 100th Anniversary (of being a 15'' gauge Railway)We celebrate our 100th year as a narrow gauge railway. In 1915, we were re-gauged from 3ft to the 15” line you see today. This is only part of the story so this weekend is all about sharing our full railway story with you and inviting you to join us in some special celebrations. We will be joined by visiting engines including Count Louis and Synolda, a special timetable will be in place as these engines will top and tail (one at the front, one at the back) and take a special journey from Ravenglass to Muncaster Mill which is bookable in advance as part of a day ticket at £20 adult and £10 children (5-15), this ticket includes all day travel and a seat on these special trains as part of your day out, a commemorative badge and edmundson ticket and entry into our exclusive prize draw to win a day on the footplate. Both main stations will be adorned with vintage bunting and the cafes will be serving up some special anniversary menu creations throughout the weekend. Bay Radio will be live on air on the Saturday from Ravenglass and Eskdale Ranger Chris Berry will be leading guided walks including an historic circular walk to Beckfoot then back along the old line to Boot and a walk to Girder Bridge to visit the old iron works then back along the stepping stones at St Catherines Church. Walks depart from Dalegarth Saturday – Monday, times TBC. There is no charge for the walk but if you make a small donation to our railway Museum, much appreciated. UPDATE: The top and tail Muncaster specials will be a short journey lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. The timings for these departures will be: 9.50, 11.40, 13.00, 13.40, 15.40 and 17.20

not sure if thee has been any decision, but I see it more as guidelines than rules. As the centenary is not till end of August, that gives plenty of time for something. My feelings are for mini layout for 2015, and maybe something else(loco, rolling stock) for 2016 if anyone wants. I have send a query to R&E to see if they are thinking of any model railway event as well, similar but on same scale as Tracks to the Trenches at Apedale. As for size of layout I still prefer 15 by 15, as the 20 relates more to next year not 1915, and 19 by 15 might be an option. In fact that is sounding quite good. I was trying out some track pieces last night and it was a bit tight, not for the curves, but operational siding etc . Here is a proposal then.

size to be 19 by 15 in , no extra for fiddle stick etc(the extra 4in on base should be enough), and that is outside dimensions including backscene. This means it could be placed inside a piece of 15in gauge track as part of exhibition. Gn15Working , not staticAt least one operational point.

Aim would be to show as many off as possible in one place, but could include video of those too far away. Also would aim to get something in model railway magazines, September issues as they tie in with the centenary event.

rue_d_etropal wrote:not sure if thee has been any decision, but I see it more as guidelines than rules. As the centenary is not till end of August, that gives plenty of time for something. My feelings are for mini layout for 2015, and maybe something else(loco, rolling stock) for 2016 if anyone wants. I have send a query to R&E to see if they are thinking of any model railway event as well, similar but on same scale as Tracks to the Trenches at Apedale. As for size of layout I still prefer 15 by 15, as the 20 relates more to next year not 1915, and 19 by 15 might be an option. In fact that is sounding quite good. I was trying out some track pieces last night and it was a bit tight, not for the curves, but operational siding etc . Here is a proposal then.

size to be 19 by 15 in , no extra for fiddle stick etc(the extra 4in on base should be enough), and that is outside dimensions including backscene. This means it could be placed inside a piece of 15in gauge track as part of exhibition. Gn15Working , not staticAt least one operational point.

Aim would be to show as many off as possible in one place, but could include video of those too far away. Also would aim to get something in model railway magazines, September issues as they tie in with the centenary event.

I say lets go with that... except perhaps no rules on turnouts because that limits creativity in terms of alternatives (turntables/traversers etc) perhaps start a new thread to launch it properly. This brainstorming thread has been useful but now might confuse!

Last edited by martin on Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:45 pm, edited 2 times in total.

I tend to start with what I have got, in this case some sharp radius track and let it evolve from there. It suits me and I tend to 'finish' more projects that way. Trouble is I also tend to start too many projects, and have a small collection of unfinished ones, mainly where I have been too ambitious. Best incentive I find is a fixed end date, such as an exhibition.

I was digging round at club as I remember some of my old cardboard layouts might be useful. My first Gn15 layout was 'Chateau d'Étropal', unfortunately photos are not online at the moment as they were on that site that closed down. I will re-post some soon. There are a couple showing it as background to the cardboard centre cab loco I built, which is the one I am also using on my Christmas snow pizza layout. At the same time I sources a model wheelie bin(which had contained junk sweets), and motorized it using a Bachmann power bogie. I still have both, and as I found the bogie was not suitable for another project I will restore it back in the wheelie bin. Anyway this was part of the 'paper' challenge in 2007http://gn15.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2021

I looked at the module again, and thought, it can't actually be 15in by 19in, but it is exactly those dimensions. So I plan to clean it up a bit for a start and design something else new. Wonder if I can find another banana box the same size.

Am I reading right that we're talking about 19"x15" maximum base dimensions, working, not static? No limit on turnouts, etc. And I assume no limit on vertical dimension? Past those dimensions, there's no limit on subject, etc.? No other specific requirements?I'm having a lot of problems accessing the site here. It seems I can only get in a few hours a day!?!? Trying to keep up with this. Thanks.Chris

cjwalas wrote:Am I reading right that we're talking about 19"x15" maximum base dimensions, working, not static? No limit on turnouts, etc. And I assume no limit on vertical dimension? Past those dimensions, there's no limit on subject, etc.? No other specific requirements?

I think that's what i'm understanding too. We really need some focus though and for someone to start a new thread which states things more clearly. I'd do that but it was Simon who started the ball rolling so it really ought to be up to him